Edmonton: Two men were injured after a 27-year-old man allegedly stabbed them inside the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara Gursikh Temple in northeast Edmonton, Canada, during morning prayers on Friday. Police have arrested the suspect and are investigating whether the attack was hate-motivated.
The victims, aged 75 and 51, were taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Temple officials said one of the injured men was a priest and the other a longtime volunteer.
Attack took place during morning prayers
The incident occurred at around 5 am local time at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in northeast Edmonton.
According to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), officers had received a report shortly before the attack about a man walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Road. The man later entered the gurdwara and attempted to gain access to the prayer area.
Staff members and worshippers confronted him, after which the situation escalated.
Police said two men were stabbed during the confrontation. Witnesses intervened and managed to restrain the suspect until officers arrived and took him into custody.
Two worshippers injured
The two victims were a 75-year-old man and a 51-year-old man.
Both were transported to hospital for treatment, with police describing their injuries as non-life-threatening. Temple representatives said the injured men were believed to be stable.
Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple vice-president Zora Grewal said one of the victims was a priest and the other was a longtime volunteer.
The attack disrupted prayers at the temple, where people had gathered ahead of a Sikh wedding.
Suspect had been released from prison a day earlier
Police said the 27-year-old suspect was known to authorities and had a significant history of violent offences dating back to 2015.
He had reportedly been released from a federal institution on August 20, just one day before the gurdwara attack. He had been serving a sentence connected to aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer.
Authorities also said he failed to report to his designated halfway house in Edmonton following his release, according to reports.
The suspect was also injured during the incident and was taken to hospital. Charges were pending as of the latest reports.
Police investigate possible hate motive
The Edmonton Police Service’s Hate Crimes Unit has joined the investigation to determine whether the stabbing was motivated by hatred towards the Sikh community.
Police have not established a motive so far.
Acting Inspector Eric Stewart said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and cautioned against prematurely describing it as a terrorist attack. Authorities said any evidence of an ideological motive would be considered as part of the investigation.
The involvement of the Hate Crimes Unit means investigators are specifically examining whether the victims were targeted because of their religious identity or another protected characteristic.
No damage to Sikh scripture reported
Temple representatives said the incident did not result in damage to Sikh religious scripture.
According to the gurdwara’s leadership, the suspect attempted to gain access to the prayer area before being confronted by people inside the temple. The confrontation then led to the stabbing.
The incident has nevertheless left members of the local Sikh community shaken, particularly because it took place inside a place of worship during morning prayers.
Canadian leaders condemn the attack
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident and expressed support for those affected.
He said people should be able to feel safe in their places of worship and thanked Edmonton police for their response.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also condemned the violence and called for greater attention to federal bail and parole reforms.
Other political leaders and community representatives have similarly expressed concern about violence occurring at religious institutions.
Recent concerns involving Sikh places of worship
The Edmonton stabbing comes amid heightened concern following threatening phone calls reportedly made to two Sikh gurdwaras in northeast Calgary earlier in August.
Calgary police have been investigating those threats, which reportedly included warnings against Sikh places of worship.
The incidents have prompted calls for increased vigilance and security around gurdwaras across Alberta.
However, authorities have not established any connection between the Calgary threats and the Edmonton stabbing.
Community remains focused on safety
The Edmonton incident has renewed discussion about security at places of worship and the need to ensure that religious communities can gather without fear.
Gurdwaras serve not only as places of worship but also as important community centres, hosting prayers, weddings, meals and other gatherings.
The fact that the attack occurred during morning prayers has added to concerns among members of Edmonton’s Sikh community.
At the same time, investigators have stressed that the motive remains under examination and that conclusions about whether the incident was hate-motivated should await the outcome of the police investigation.
Investigation continues
Police are continuing to gather evidence, speak with witnesses and determine the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
The suspect remains in custody following treatment for his injuries, while investigators assess the possible hate-crime element and prepare charges.
The two victims are receiving medical care and their injuries have not been reported as life-threatening.
Conclusion
A 27-year-old man has been arrested after two men were stabbed inside the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in Edmonton, with police investigating whether the incident was motivated by hate. The victims, aged 75 and 51, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the suspect had a history of violent offences and had been released from federal prison just a day before the incident. Witnesses intervened and restrained him until officers arrived.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Hate Crimes Unit is involved in the investigation, but authorities have not yet established a motive. Canadian political leaders have condemned the attack as the Sikh community awaits further details from investigators.